Long shot, but any thoughts/advice for rebuilding self confidence?

Yeah, a ton actually. I recommend reading this articleaddressing this exact question that each and every one of us faces. Since I sourced it here, I’ll list the bullet points from it, but add my own commentary in the sub-bullets:

Make two lists: one of your strengths and one of your achievements.

You might want to get a person who sees what you can’t see as the good qualities of yourself. For example, you told me about your “flaws” a few Asks ago. I know for a fact that you are very attractive; sometimes it is hard to see things in ourselves, especially if you are a person with self-esteem issues. You have convinced yourself already what is not actually true in some cases.

Think positively about yourself.

Force yourself if you must to think about “how awesome” you are. I boast all the time here, but the truth is, I have problems just like everyone else, yet I won’t let that crap hold me down.

Pay special attention to your personal hygiene.

Hey, I didn’t create this list, but I think it makes sense. Being dirty if it is from an activity is fine (i.e. some outdoors hiking or work), but in general it’s important to feel clean.

Wear clean clothes that make you feel good about yourself.

Like I said, I didn’t make this list but I think is very important to feel good about the way you look. Men often force their women to look frumpy so that others won’t look at them because they are insecure, but the truth is there is a psychological component here where they are crushing their loved one’s self-esteem. Do what you need to in order to feel good about how you look; fuck everyone else trying to curb that.

Eat good food as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

When you eat well every day, then go back and eat McDonald’s or Taco Bell, you will know what I mean. I think you are a person who already knows this well. That fast foot shit is just “sad food”. Stay away from it.

Exercise regularly.

Absolutely this makes you feel amazing, inside and out. I recommend 5 days a week, but be active 7 days a week, somehow. I know when I live by that rule, I am just a happier person.

Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep.

No less than six, shoot for 8 or 9. If you have sleep apnea, deal with it and see a specialist. Another link here.

Reduce your stress levels.

Talk to people about things and don’t let things go left unattended.

Make your living space clean, comfortable, and attractive.

Having a home or room that is a mess is a constant stressor. Pick up and put away everything; you will feel better because (a) you know where everything is and (b) you will have a sense of accomplishment.

Do more of the things that you enjoy.

Do you. Have fun. I know you have that thing – for you – is your animals.

Get artistic.

Write, draw, paint, sing, make music, whatever. There is freedom in that; it is a big reason why I have this blog.

Set yourself a challenge that you can realistically complete.

Just set up a plan for something small and accomplish it. Don’t say “get a college degree”; that will take years to see the reward. Maybe, sew a dress or paint the deck or something.

Do some of the things that you have been putting off.

We all have this kind of shit. Do some of these things. Look around your room. Or when did you put air in your tires last? Little stuff. Just do it.

Be nice to people, and do nice things for them.

Being mean to people is taxing on your soul. It kills who you are inside. Being good though – that is a reward. I suggest you do it.

Get others on board.

Get people on board with your attempt to fix yourself and your self-esteem. Fuck what people think; it will be a driver for you to accomplish it. It’s about you, not them.

Spend more time with those you hold near and dear.

Set up time with people who are genuinely good to you.

Avoid people and places that treat you badly or make you feel bad about yourself.

You and I know, from our personal chats, who this person is in your life. You need to look out for you; you can’t fix people who are going to bring you down and you need to stop trying at some point.